Santos, AC Milan resume Robinho talks

Rio de Janeiro, Dec 26 (IANS) Santos have resumed talks with AC Milan over a deal to repatriate their former idol Robinho.

Rossoneri vice president Adriano Galliani is due to fly to Sao Paulo “in the coming days” to meet with Santos president Odilio Rodrigues, Xinhua cited from the sports website Lancenet on Wednesday.

“Galliani usually travels to Brazil to celebrate the new year and this time he will make the most of the trip by meeting with Rodrigues,” the website said.

Santos were close to signing Robinho in August but a deal collapsed when the Brazilian club refused to meet the 29-year-old’s salary demands.

Robinho helped Santos win the 2002 Brazilian championship with a dazzling debut season as an 18-year-old.

He again played a leading role in the club’s 2004 league triumph before being sold to Real Madrid in 2005.

He returned on a six-month loan in 2010, guiding the club to the Copa do Brasil title.